Jimmy Graham Signed a 1-Year Deal With the Saints, and Confused Fans All Made the Same Joke

Nobody saw this move coming.

After a two-year hiatus from professional football, 36-year-old tight end Jimmy Graham surprised the NFL world by signing a one-year contract with the first team he ever played for—the New Orleans Saints. 

Graham, who spent the first five seasons of his career in New Orleans and made three Pro Bowls as one of Drew Brees’ most trusted targets, had fallen so far off fans’ radar that many assumed he was retired. In fact, when the initial announcement of his return hit, many originally thought he was signing a one-day contract to retire with the organization rather than returning full-time. 

Took a solid five minutes of scrolling for my brain to digest “one year” instead of “one day” here https://t.co/pczHPM80jV

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) July 25, 2023

This really should’ve said “one day” contract https://t.co/F5MdH6e8w2

— Δ (@Ayyeeedrian__) July 25, 2023

Wtf lol I thought this was one of those “signed for a day to retire a saint” type tweets at first. Bro is actually gonna play??? https://t.co/g1cRrpQBnt

— Blizzy🐬⬆️ (@BlizzyFins) July 25, 2023

I have to read at least 5 more tweets that Jimmy Graham has signed a 1 year contract to not be convinced it's Graham signing a 1 day contract to retire as a Saint and everyone has just made a typo.

— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) July 25, 2023

Thought this was going to be him signing before retiring, but it’s a 1 year deal. Graham didn’t play in the league last year https://t.co/YRo8zaYsQ0

— Corey Rholdon (@Corey_RholdonTV) July 25, 2023

the range of emotions I went through from thinking he’s retiring, to wondering if he’s coaching, to realizing he’s playing https://t.co/YTa03FnNG0

— David Helman (@davidhelman_) July 25, 2023

So…he is back to play? Or retire? https://t.co/WxUjGi0uwL

— Jeremy (@JKMJXH3) July 25, 2023

Wait this isn’t a contract to retire as a Saint?? https://t.co/JXIEn26R6h

— KD (@skd215) July 25, 2023

Was this supposed to be a 1-day contract but they got it confused? https://t.co/mj81Sny70q

— The Monday Morning QuarterBLACK (@TheMMQBL) July 25, 2023

Graham, who will turn 37 in November, last suited up in 2021 with the Chicago Bears, where he tallied just 14 receptions and under 200 total yards. He even got in on the joke with this hilarious gif on Twitter after announcing his return:

pic.twitter.com/gqlYcK5ttq

— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) July 25, 2023

 Here’s to a few more goalpost dunks, Jimmy.